always OK to lock hubs.

Shift to 4wd hi anytime, it will be grumpy in parking lots.

If your uncomfortable driving, stop.

People wreck all the time.

Don't wreck.

Don't be them.

 

 

1. Yes, okay to lock the hubs and use 4wd when needed. When performing a maneuver, dont forget which mode you're in.
2. Not once have I ever altered my tire pressure for snow. Been driving for 17 years with snow on the ground for about 6 months every year.

Remember to take your time and don't get in a hurry. Give extra room and time for maneuvers. Brakes are not your friend in a corner. 4wd helps get you moving and does nothing for stopping.

Most of all, drive as though every other person on the road has no idea how to drive. Check any rage at the door. If someone else is doing something stupid, do what you need to put as much distance between you and them.

 

Hopefully you have Snow rated tires, be smooth and easy with your steering, throttle, brake inputs.
I drive from California to Lake Tahoe or Reno on HWY50/80 couple times a year. I only shift into 4H once I see snow. No need for 4L or locked hubs.

 

 

Don't forget to have some fun.

 

Never pass a snow plow. They go really slow but the best thing you can do is tuck in behind and be patient.

 

Are the hubs bad? I don't see the point locking hubs on a ESOF truck unless the hubs are bad.

 

 

I leave my hubs in auto, I never bother to lock them. Never a problem.

Remember that 4wd and abs don't change the principles of physics. 4wd may get you moving easier and ABS will prevent the wheels from locking up under braking but it can only make use of the available traction. Snow/ice reduces available traction to a small percentage of normal dry conditions. So you have to slow down everything. Gently squeeze the pedals. Slowly turn the steering wheel. Try not to accelerate or brake while turning.

Another thing you can do: in a safe place, at low speed, experiment with the throttle and brake to see what the traction limits are, how the vehicle behaves and what stopping distances are.

I live on the side of a mountain. And as noted by someone above, when it snows, my biggest concern isn't going up the mountain, but down the mountain. Nothing worse than starting to slide when going down and suddenly realizing you are out of control and helpless. When going up, spinning all 4 tires will typically mean you'll end up sliding off the crown of the road and into the ditch.

I never bother to adjust tire pressure or put weight in the bed. Its not really needed with 4wd.

 

That white truck sure looks good in the snow.

 

Drive like you have a full cup of coffee on the dash, don't make any sudden turns, starts or stops...4X4 does NOT help you stop... just because you have 4 wheel drive doesn't mean you can drive fast

 

are you going to Tahoe?

we went for MLK and on Monday we left at 10ish and got home at 7 (South Tahoe to Santa Clara). Depending on your situation (kids mostly) i would either leave at the crack of dawn (which kind of defeats the staying there an extra night) or leave super late (but on the same day my coworker left at 6 and got home at 3am).

There are probably less people this weekend...but still

 

If you don't have at least M+S rated tires, it might be a good idea to get a set of easy to install chains like cable chains just in case if it looks like it might snow during your drive.